Hazard Chelsea deal would be blow to Inter's Modric hopes
Gazzetta says Eden Hazard is close to agreeing a new Chelsea contract that would be bad news for Inter Milan's designs on signing Luka Modric.
Eden Hazard's public declarations of affection for Real Madrid appear to have led his club, Chelsea, to snap into action. Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the Premier League side have offered the Belgian a contract extension that includes an improved pay package of 18 million euros a year - a deal which, according to the Italian newspaper, he is close to accepting.
"If I ever play for Real Madrid, I'll be very happy, and if I never play for Real Madrid it's because it is not allowed - and then I will be happy at Chelsea," Hazard, 27, explained in a recent interview with the media outlet HLN in Belgium, revealing that he was the subject of an approach by Los Blancos last summer, but that it was rejected out of hand by the Blues.
Hazard Real move would aid Inter's Modric designs
Gazzetta adds that Inter Milan are keeping close tabs on this situation, as they are still keen to sign Luka Modric from Real Madrid - and feel that their chances of prising the Croat from the Bernabéu would be boosted were Hazard to move to the Spanish capital. Modric might have joined the Nerazzurri last summer, only for Real to close the door on his departure, but the Italians are said to be ready to go after the 33-year-old again at the end of this season.
Real reportedly about to extend Modric contract
Gazzetta also reports, however, that Real Madrid are planning to offer Modric, whose current contract is due to run out in 2020, 10 million euros a year to extend his stay at the European champions.
